The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Inec

  • Edo/Ondo elections: Political parties must play by the rule – INEC chair

    Edo/Ondo elections: Political parties must play by the rule – INEC chair

    …says campaign has been acrimonious

    The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday, July 29, urged political parties and their candidates for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections to adhere to the rules.

    He expressed concern over the acrimony and tension characterizing the campaigns.

    Speaking at the quarterly meeting with political party leaders, Yakubu also highlighted the recent attack on the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo state, which resulted in the death of security personnel.

    The INEC chairman also noted that with only 53 days left until the Edo State election, some political parties had yet to submit the list of their polling and collation agents, despite the portal closing on Tuesday, July 30.

    He said: “Campaign by political parties and candidates is in full swing in both Edo and Ondo States. This is the time for party leaders to demonstrate compliance with the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022, especially the aspect dealing with rallies, processions and campaigns already available on our website.

    Read Also; Adelabu cautions youths against planned protests

    “As a reminder, however, hard copies of the document have been included in your folders for this meeting. The campaign period has often been characterised by acrimony and tension. Sadly, it is also a period of verbal abuse and physical confrontation among parties, candidates and their supporters.

    “The commission finds the recent event in Edo State resulting in the death of security personnel worrisome. Happily, there has been no incident known to the Commission since then. Nevertheless, the Commission will meet with the security agencies under the auspices of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

    “I want to assure you that security in Edo and Ondo will be a major issue to discuss at the meeting. We are as concerned about the safety of your candidates, agents, and supporters as we are about the security of our officials, observers, journalists, service providers, and, above all, the voters.’

    The INEC chairman said further: “It is now 53 days to the Edo State Governorship election coming up on Saturday 21st September 2024. Our preparations are going on in earnest. I am glad to report that we have recovered from the torrential rainfall that resulted in the severe flooding of our State Headquarters in Benin City two months ago.

    “The damage to the physical infrastructure has been fixed. Vehicles have been repaired while other movable and immovable facilities have been serviced, refurbished or are being gradually replaced.

    “We have delivered additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to Edo State for the training of election duty personnel as well as contingency for Election Day support.

    “We have since published the final list of candidates but we are once again sharing the list with party leaders at this meeting given the recent Court Order mandating the Commission to replace the running mate of the candidate of the Labour Party. The amended list is already published on our website.”

    Yakubu said further that following the conclusion of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), the display of the register for claims and objections by citizens, and further data clean-up using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), the final register for the 2024 Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States are being finalised.

    “Before the end of this week, the Commission will publish the final figures of new voters in the two States as well as their distribution by gender, age, occupation, and disability. Thereafter, the timetable for the collection of uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) from previous registration and new registrants from the latest CVR will be published.

    “The Commission is aware that according to our Timetable and Schedule of Activities, the voter register will be published no later than 30 days before the date fixed for the election.

    “We wish to reassure the chairmen of political parties that each party fielding candidates in the forthcoming Governorship election in Edo State will receive the softcopy of the register on 20th August 2024 while that of Ondo State will take place on 15th October 2024.”

    He told the party leaders to live up to their responsibility obligation to submit the list of polling agents by uploading the required information, including photographs, to the dedicated portal.

    He said: “As at yesterday, Sunday 28th July 2024, 14 political parties have uploaded the details of 38,354 polling agents and 819 collation agents for the Edo State Governorship election.

    “Three parties are yet to upload a single polling agent while five parties have not uploaded a single agent for Ward, Local Government and State collation centres. The deadline is tomorrow Tuesday 30th July 2024 when the portal automatically shuts down at midnight. I urge you to ensure that you meet the deadline so that the Commission can produce the accreditation tags and deliver them to you for distribution to your agents in good time”.

    He said the commission will soon announce the date for bye-elections into the states and National Assembly following existing vacancies.

    Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle said as a major stakeholder in the political process, IPAC is unwavering in its quest for electoral integrity, the sanctity of the ballot box and respect for the will and mandate of the people, political stability and well-being of Nigerians.

    Dantalle said after 25 years of unbroken democracy, citizens expect and deserve abundant dividends of democracy from governments at all levels to assuage their sufferings.

    IPAC feels the pains of fellow compatriots and has been in touch with relevant authorities with a view to ameliorating the hardship in the land. This is why we must continue to water and nurture the democracy tree into maturity to yield its fruits to citizens and redirect the nation to the path of prosperity and greatness. This requires citizens’ active participation in the democratic process. It also means that governments at all levels must be held accountable as power resides in the people.

    He commended the recent financial autonomy granted to the 774 Local Governments in Nigeria following the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court, adding that it will go a long way in transforming the nation and providing basic social amenities to citizens at the third tier of government.

    The IPAC Chairman called for the immediate scrapping of the States Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) as a way of deepening democracy in the country, saying “the charade called elections they conduct is an aberration, dent and mockery of our emerging democracy; a waste of tax payers’ money that ought to have been channelled to developmental projects.

    “To restore confidence in the electoral system, INEC should be empowered to conduct all Local Government elections. Politics is local, citizens should be encouraged to actively participate in grassroots politics and contribute to building a better society.

    “In this vein, IPAC calls for the amendment of the Constitution and the Electoral Act to empower INEC to conduct all local government polls. Council rejects the proposed bill by the Senate to create the so-called Local Government Independent Electoral Commission, bearing in mind that it would be another SIEC in disguise.

    “It is unacceptable, ill-conceived, another electoral jamboree that will impede the nation’s democracy and waste public funds at a time when citizens demand a smaller government to reduce the cost of governance”.

    Speaking on the elections in Edo, he said: “For the Edo State governorship election, the die is cast. There is no substitute for a free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful poll.

    “The success of this election along with Ondo’s will go a long way in restoring trust in the democratic process essential for enduring representative governance. Flawed elections that produced incompetent leaders are the remote cause of economic stagnation, political upheavals and socio-religious disharmony in the polity as the imposed leaders seek personal interests in place of national interest.

    “Once we get our elections right and credible leaders emerge, there will be a drastic reduction in elections petitions & litigations. Leaders will be focused and provide needed dividends of democracy that will assuage the hunger and anger in the land. INEC will concentrate on its statutory duties. It will no longer dissipate energy and resources on a flurry of litigations and distractions.

    “On our part, we will continue with joint responsibility for voters’ education and with INEC’s continued support we will be in Edo and Ondo States to enlighten the stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections.

    “IPAC is committed to sanitizing the democratic process for successful elections and political stability. There cannot be development without political stability and trust in government.”

  • Edo election: No security threat, says INEC chairman

    Edo election: No security threat, says INEC chairman

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has said that there is no security threat to the conduct of the governorship election in Edo State.

    He said he had not received any report of a likely threat to the election, and assured that the commission was fully prepared for the September 21 poll.

    The INEC boss admitted that there could be anxiety on security like in all elections, he said the commission had met with the law enforcement agencies in the state for a smooth poll.

    Yakubu made the declaration when he appeared before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.

    At the session, he clarified issues on Edo and Ondo governorship elections and the capacity of the commission to conduct local government elections.

    His words: “As we speak, we have less than 60 days to the election in Edo State and about 100 days to the election in Ondo State. Is the commission prepared for the elections? We are prepared for the elections.

    Read Also: Election losers want to overthrow government through protest, says Wike

    “I must also say that this commission in particular has a history of having conducted three governorship elections in each of the two states. We conducted the 2016 governorship election in Edo, in 2020 September and now in September 2024.

    “In Ondo, we conducted the election in October 2016 and  in 2020 and by God’s grace, in November 2024. So, these are states where we have conducted previous elections successfully.

    “I led a team of commissioners to the two states and we interfaced with the stakeholders, particularly political parties and held meetings with the security agencies.

    “In terms of our preparations, we don’t anticipate much problems in spite of the unfortunate flooding in our office in Edo. This is not the first time. In 2020, we operated from a rented office.

    “But this time around, thank God, the act of God came early and so, we have enough time to respond and to conduct the election in our own facility. The election will hold within our own premises.

    “What is our concern for the Edo State governorship election? Just like any other election, it is security.

    “When we were there (Edo), one of the political parties raised an issue about the likely deployment of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN)

    “Immediately we received the complaint, we headed to the office of the Commissioner of Police and held a meeting with all security agencies in Edo State.

    “At that meeting, we agreed that we are going to meet with all the political parties in our office and we did so. The Commissioner of Police told us that he will take up the matter with the state government. The issue at that time was the issue of the Continuous Voter Registration.

    “Since then, I am not aware of any complaint from any party or candidate on the role of the ESSN. “So, I believe that the Commissioner of Police must have spoken to the leadership of the ESSN.”

  • ESSN operatives deployed to disrupt Edo polls, INEC alleges

    ESSN operatives deployed to disrupt Edo polls, INEC alleges

    • Commission equipped to handle local govt elections, says Yakubu
    • ‘Off-cycle elections more challenging’
    • PDP: Outfit created by law, can’t be wished away

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised security concerns about the Edo State governorship election following the alleged deployment of members of the State Security Netweork (ESSN).

    Chairman of the Commission Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stated this yesterday when he appeared before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, on preparations for the upcoming governorship Edo and Ondo states governorship elections.

    He noted that the flood which affected the Edo office soaked their BVAS machines, but most of them were recovered.

    The chairman also said the commission is equipped to conduct local government elections if the responsibility falls on it and if the law is amended to allow it. They would however not be held in a day.

    He noted that INEC had been conducting area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) which has been devoid of challenges associated with the conduct of local government elections.

    Prof. Yakubu also said it was more challenging to conduct off-cycle elections than general elections. He however said INEC is ready for election in both states.

    He added: “You wanted to know the position of the Commission on issues surrounding the Supreme Court judgment and local government elections.

    “So far, we have had three broad positions canvassed. One, the transfer of responsibility for the conduct of local government elections to INEC. The question is if that is done, can INEC cope? The second proposition is that there should be a new federal electoral commission for local government elections and, thirdly, there is another argument that says leave the state electoral commission to conduct local government elections in the spirit of federalism, but find a way of ensuring they improve on the conduct.

    “Right now, the law has not been amended. The same Constitution that created INEC also created the state electoral commissions. So it is up to the National Assembly to amend the law to transfer that responsibility to INEC. If this is done, INEC can, and will cope.

    Read Also: INEC raises alarm over alleged plot to use ESSN operatives to disrupt Edo elections

    “If we are asked to do conduct these elections, we will. Our track record proves that we can do it. There are six Area Councils in the FCT, and 62 wards. Each Ward is a councillorship Constituency for the election of Councilors and this is one part of the country that INEC has successfully conducted local government elections.

    “Perhaps this is what has been encouraging many Nigerians to say that if INEC is saddled with the responsibility of conducting local government elections, the same thing will be replicated and it is good for our democracy. But as I said, the same section of the Constitution that creates INEC also creates the SIECs, so until the Constitution is amended, and it transfers the responsibility to the commission, this is what our position is…”

    But Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Tony Aziegbemi said the ESSN was created by law and could not be wished away.

    Aziegbemi, through the phone, said: “Edo State Security Network is in existence, following a bill passed by the House of Assembly, and signed into law by Governor Godwin Obaseki. You cannot wish it away because it is a law.”

  • INEC raises alarm over alleged plot to use ESSN operatives to disrupt Edo elections

    INEC raises alarm over alleged plot to use ESSN operatives to disrupt Edo elections

    The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Thursday, July 25, raised concerns over alleged plans to use members of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) to disrupt the September 21 governorship elections.

    During his appearance before the National Assembly’s joint Committee on Electoral Matters, Prof. Yakubu also voiced worries about the security of lives and property during the upcoming off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo states.

    He noted not only the strain on state resources but also the issue of incumbency being exploited by governors to disadvantage opposition parties and their candidates.

    Speaking specifically on Edo elections Prof. Yakubu said despite the challenge of flooding, there is also the issue of security.

    Read Also: BREAKING: INEC can handle local government elections, says chairman Yakubu

    He alleged that there was available information on the alleged deployment of operatives of the Edo State Security Network ESSN to curse commotion during the September 21 polls.

    While outlining the activities for the two elections, the INEC boss said submission of all polling agents will be done 30 days before the respective elections.

    He added that 17 candidates will be contesting the governorship position in both states with Edo fielding the only female candidate in the entire polls.

  • BREAKING: INEC can handle local government elections, says chairman Yakubu

    BREAKING: INEC can handle local government elections, says chairman Yakubu

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has it can comfortably handle the conduct of local government elections if the responsibility falls on it.

    The chairman of the commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said this on Thursday, July 25, when he appeared before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

    He said INEC has the capacity to handle the local government elections but that would only be possible pending when the law is amended to permit it to do so.

    He pointed out that the Commission had been conducting area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory which has been devoid of the problems associated with the conduct of local government elections.

    Read Also: Fed Govt resumes trial of 300 terrorism suspects

    He pointed out some advantages of INEC handling elections to include that there are regular elections as when due, stability of tenure, and also that there has never been a caretaker committee in the FCT.

    He noted that there has never been a time one political party has won all the seats at the elections as is common in the states.

    He said if INEC handles the election, it would be better for democracy.

    He, however, said this can only happen if the constitution is amended to take the responsibility from state electoral commissions.

    Details shortly…

  • INEC’s absence didn’t invalidate Abure, NWC re-election — LP

    INEC’s absence didn’t invalidate Abure, NWC re-election — LP

    The Labour Party(LP) has said the absence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission at the March 27 national convention in Nnewi, Anambra State didn’t invalidate the election that returned its National Chairman, Julius Abure, and members of the National Working Committee to office.

    The party also accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its elected members of creating a crisis to defect.

    National Legal Adviser of the Labour Party, Kehinde Edun said this during a briefing at the party’s secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday. 

    Edun’s statement comes three days after INEC announced that none of its officials attended or monitored proceedings at the disputed convention.

    Abure has been at loggerheads with the leadership of the NLC over the legitimacy of his re-election.

    The party’s internal rift remains unresolved as the NLC and its stakeholders continued to distance themselves from the current NWC.

    Read Also: Nigeria poised to overtake global economies, says Shettima

    The situation escalated further when INEC responded to a request by a lawyer for a Certified True Copy of its report on the convention and the party’s constitution.

    The position of the electoral umpire has since led to a chain reaction, with the NLC insisting that it has been vindicated.

    The NLC subsequently set up a National Transition Committee (LPNTC) headed by Comrade Abdulwahed Omar, a former President of the NLC. 

    Omar on June 25 threatened to flush out Abure from the party. 

    But Edun said the INEC letter was wrongly interpreted.

    According to the national legal adviser, the presence or absence of INEC officials does not affect the legitimacy of the national convention.

    He said: “On the deliberate misinterpretation of INEC’s reply to an application by Messr Steve Adehi, SAN & Co, this letter is very clear and unambiguous and shouldn’t have been the subject of any argument. However not finding anything to hold against us, they went to import what is not contained in the letter into it. The applicant (an agent of the NLC) requested for the CTC of INEC to monitor the report of the Labour party convention 2024 and the constitution. Even though the applicant and his principal were dishonest, mischievous, dubious, and manipulative, INEC’s response was accurate and unpretentious.

    “How on earth could there be an INEC monitored report when we have made it clear that INEC did not attend, a position also confirmed by INEC and is in the public domain. The NLC and its cronies including the applicant knew INEC didn’t attend. Why then ask for the INEC report and what is their business with it?

    “In paragraph 3 of the INEC’s response, the commission expressed regret that it did not monitor the convention and could therefore not have an INEC-monitored report. Now, did the non-attendance of INEC invalidate the convention? The answer is capital no and INEC never said so. The law did not make it mandatory for INEC to attend any party’s convention. INEC knew they were at liberty to come or not. What the law requires is proper notice. Take note that the law did not say the failure of INEC to attend shall render the convention invalid. What then is the essence of the dishonest, dubious, and misconceived hue and cry by the NLC?”

    The LP counsel warned that it can’t be intimidated or cowed by any external aggressor and wouldn’t fold its hands to watch the party being hijacked.

    Edun argued that NLC’s attempt at hijacking the party was illegal and unconstitutional, adding that sections 221 to 229 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria forbid the ownership of a political party by anybody or group. 

    He also accused the NLC of flouting the law by applying the Congress funds towards political objectives.

    According to him, sections 15(1) to 15(3) of the Trade Union Act prohibit the NLC from applying its funds towards any political objectives.

    Edun said: “So where are they getting the money to cause all this trouble? Are they been paid by APC or are they flouting the law to apply the congress funds towards political objectives?

    “In section 15(3)(a) political objective is said to include ‘the making of any contribution towards the funds of any political party.”

    He stated that there was no injunctive or coercive order against the Labour Party, adding that “The 2018 consent judgement and the 2022 terms of settlement have been complied with by us.

    Edun said: “If anyone is in breach, it is the NLC. As for the 2018 terms of settlement which was adopted as consent judgment, the court in its wisdom said ‘it shall operate to bind parties who signed it.’

    “Though LP did not sign the terms of the settlement, we fully complied with it at the 2019 convention for the sake of peace.

    “With regards to the 2022 agreement, the party fulfilled our own part of the bargain by appointing nominees of the NLC as Deputy National Chairman (Comrade Ladi Iliya) and National Vice Chairman (Alh Umaru Mohammed), and also nominee of TUC (Trade Union Congress), Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi as Deputy National Chairman.”

  • Court bars INEC, PDP from recognising Ebonyi caretaker committee

    Court bars INEC, PDP from recognising Ebonyi caretaker committee

    The Abakaliki Division of the Federal High Court has prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the Steve Oruruo-led caretaker committee of the Ebonyi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The court also barred the PDP from recognising the caretaker committee.

    The court, presided by Justice Hillary Oshomah, gave the order while ruling on a motion on notice filled in a suit by a former state chairman of the party, Silas Ọnụ against the party and INEC.

    It said the order will subsist pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons in the matter.

    The party has been embroiled in crisis which started in the lead up to the 2023 general elections and which affected its chances during the election.

    The crisis has continued unabated long after the elections leading to serious factionalisation of the party with many key chieftains dumping the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    However, as peace was being expected in the party, the National Working Committee of the party, appointed a caretaker committee to run the affairs of the party with an Enugu State indigene, Steve Oruruo appointed Chairman of the committee.

    Read Also: Parts of Abuja may experience heavy flood within five days

    This caused fresh crisis in the party with more bigwigs like Ex-Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim crossing over to the APC last two weeks.

    In the motion on notice filed on June 20, 2024, one of the aggrieved stakeholders, Mr Onu had prayed the court for an order restraining the PDP from appointing the Chairman, Secretary and Members of the Caretaker Committee pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Summons.

    He also prayed the court for an order  barring the 1st(PDP) and 2nd(INEC) Defendants/Respondents from recognizing anyone appointed as Chairman, Secretary and Members of Peoples Democratic Party, Ebonyi State Chapter, Caretaker Committee by the National Organizing Secretary pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Summons.

    When the matter came up for hearing on 19th of July, Counsel to the PDP,  Godwin Ngwuta told the court that the party is not inclined to oppose the application.

    Delivering his ruling, Justice Oshomah granted the prayers of the applicant and barred the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and the PDP itself from recognizing the Ebonyi State chapter Caretaker Committee of the party.

    He said: “That the 1st and 2nd Defendants are by Order of this Honourable Court barred from recognizing anyone appointed as Chairman, Secretary and Members of Peoples Democratic Party, Ebonyi State Chapter, Caretaker Committee by the National Organizing Secretary pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Summons.

    Justice Oshomah further ordered all Parties in the matter “to take note of the pendency of this action and maintain status quo ante bellum by the virtue of the doctrine of lis pendis and not to embark on any act or conduct capable of destroying the res and subject matter of this action or take any step calculated to or with the potential of rendering nugatory the outcome or any decision of this Honourable Court on the substantive action.”

  • We didn’t monitor your convention, INEC tells Abure-led LP

    We didn’t monitor your convention, INEC tells Abure-led LP

    The last may not have been heard about the crises in the Labour Party (LP) as the  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distanced itself from the LP Convention that was held on 27th March 2024 in Nnewi, Anambra State.

    During the convention, Julius Abure was reelected as the National Chairman of the party.

    INEC rejected the outcome of the convention, citing contraventions to the Labour Party Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC Guidelines and Regulations for Political Parties 2022.

    In a response letter to the Abure-led NWC application for the certified copy of the document of the LP, signed by the Ag Secretary to the Commission, Haliru Aminu, and dated July 18, INEC confirmed receipt of the application.

    ”The Commission has received your request for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the monitored report of the Labour Party Convention at Nnewi, Anambra State held on the 27th day of March 2024, and the Labour Party Constitution,” INEC wrote.

    Read Also: INEC, NDPC to collaborate on citizens’ data protection

    INEC said it did not monitor the Labour Party Convention of 27th March 2024 and cannot therefore report on the convention.

    “The Certified True Copy of the Labour Party Constitution has been forwarded to your firm earlier.

    “Regrettably the Commission did not monitor the Labour Party Convention of 27th March 2024 and cannot therefore report on the convention,” it said.

    However, some members of the immediate past National Working Committee, NWC of the Labour Party, have called on Julius Abure to allow peace to reign supreme in the party and perish his inordinate desires.

  • INEC, NDPC to collaborate on citizens’ data protection

    INEC, NDPC to collaborate on citizens’ data protection

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to collaborate with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to safeguard the data of Nigerian citizens.

    The decision was arrived at during a meeting between officials of the NDPC led by the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the commission,  Dr. Vincent Olatunji, and the INEC Chairman and National Commissioners.

    Speaking at the meeting, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the Commission has the highest volume of citizens data on the African continent with over 93 million registered voters.

    He said “At the last election, we had Ninety-Three Million (93,000,000) records of citizens and only recently, we conducted the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in just two states (Edo and Ondo) and have added more than Two Hundred Thousand (200,000) additional records to the existing register.”

    Read Also: Gradely unveils mobile App to boost student learning

    Yakubu said the Commission is saddled with the responsibility of conducting credible elections in the country, pointing out that “there cannot be credible elections without a credible register of voters and there cannot be a credible register of voters without data. We are very proud to say that INEC has perhaps the largest database of citizens in Africa.”

    He emphasized the critical need for collaboration on data protection, saying “We also house perhaps the most sensitive national record of citizens with their fingerprints and facial biometrics and we include all citizens from those in the executive branch of government to people in the National Assembly, Security Services in the country, we have our Justices of all categories of courts in the database.

    “We have all categories of citizens, male and female, young and old.”

    Also speaking, National Commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu said INEC had thoroughly studied the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and expressed a strong desire to collaborate with the agency to safeguard citizens’ data. This intention prompted the invitation extended to the National Commissioner/ CEO and his team to visit INEC.

    On his part, the NDPC boss commended the initiative for the meeting and emphasized the vital and crucial importance for  protection of data domiciled in the Commission.

  • APGA sues INEC for backing Njoku as national chairman

    APGA sues INEC for backing Njoku as national chairman

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has filed a suit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over alleged partisanship and unlawful involvement in the leadership crisis of the party.

     National Chairman of APGA, Barrister Sylvester Ezeokenwa who revealed this in Abuja on Friday, while briefing reporters said the party had approached an Abuja High Court on the grounds that INEC, has failed to provide available evidence justifying that Chief Edozie Njoku was once a national officer of the party by the order of any Nigerian court.

     In a suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/966/2024, filed Thursday 18 July 2024 before His Lordship Justice J.K Omotosho of Abuja High Court APGA prayed that the court should mandate INEC, and ensure that the party leadership is not truncated by its partisanship.

     Ezeokenwa further stated that the party had raised interesting posers for INEC and to enable right-thinking Nigerians to assess the situation under review: “We are therefore at a loss regarding the recent false representation by INEC that Chief Edozie Njoku and his group are National Executives of APGA ‘by order of court.’ We challenge the Commission to produce any Court Order wherein the Court has made any positive pronouncement recognizing Chief Edozie Njoku and his group as National officers of APGA.

    Read Also: Oyo police recover N16m, AK-47, 1,346 live ammunition from suspected criminals

     “We firmly assert that no such Court Order exists. The current representation by INEC concerning Chief Edozie Njoku and his group is false, illegal, baseless, and without any justification.”

     The APGA chairman further regretted that INEC, as an institution created by the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, is duty-bound to operate strictly within the confines of the law.

     He said: “It portends grave danger for our democracy for INEC to arrogate to itself the unfettered power to determine who the National Officers of a political party are without recourse to due process. It is abundantly clear from the plethora of court judgements and rulings that the legitimate leadership of APGA is firm under Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa. As a law-abiding political party, we have written INEC through our team of lawyers on the correct position. We trust that INEC will act swiftly to rectify any misinformation and uphold the integrity of our party’s leadership as ruled by various courts of law. In light of these clear Judicial determinations, we urge INEC to correct this misinformation promptly. This sanctity of accurate information is critical to maintaining the trust and confidence of the public in our electoral process.”

     Ezeokenwa said INEC duly monitored the legitimate APGA National convention held on May 31, 2023, at the International Conference Centre (ICC) Awka, Anambra State, by the binding statutory provision, and subsequently issued a report.

     He said: “We expect INEC to act responsibly and rectify the publication to reflect the legitimate leadership of APGA, under Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa.”

     Meanwhile, the chairman said the party remains united under its legitimate leadership and will continue to pursue the best interests of party members and the Nation at large.

     He urged the commission to respect and always be bound by the outcome of the monitored National convention held by APGA as well as the final judgement of the court.